India drop wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for Test series against New Zealand

Squad Changes

India dropped senior wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from their Test squad on Saturday, just five days before the start of the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The men's selection committee announced that Kuldeep will return to India to play domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. Punjab fast bowler Gurnoor Brar takes his place in the Test team. Brar will miss the fifth ODI in Tauranga on Sunday as a result of this call-up.

Recent Form

The team shuffle follows a heavy defeat for India in the fourth ODI at the same venue on Friday, where they lost by 244 runs. Chasing a target of 334 runs, India were bowled out for just 89 runs, marking their second-lowest ODI score this century. During recent matches, Kuldeep conceded 73 runs in eight overs, while Brar gave away 69 runs in 10 overs.

Team Additions

Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant has joined the Test squad after recovering fully from recent injuries. Pant previously played in the Test tour of Sri Lanka, scoring 168 runs across three innings. The two-match Test series against New Zealand begins on November 19, 2026, in Wellington.

Context

Cricket teams often make tactical squad adjustments between limited-overs formats and Test matches based on player form and upcoming conditions. Domestic cricket serves as a platform for players to regain rhythm when they miss out on playing time in the national side. Squad changes close to a series start require quick travel arrangements for incoming and outgoing players.